Opposition leader Mark Latham’s dismissal of media suggestions that Peter Garrett’s likely presence in the Labor caucus after the forthcoming Federal election gives coal and steel industry workers in the Illawarra cause to worry about their job security stands in stark contrast to his claims during the Cunningham by-election campaign, Greens MP Michael Organ said from Cape York today.

“Mr. Latham told the media today that ‘…you’ve got to look at the totality of the Australian economy and…ratifying Kyoto is going to be good for the long-term prospects’” Mr. Organ said.

“What an about face by the man who told the voters of Cunningham in October 2002 that electing a Green would cost 10,000 jobs in the Illawarra!”

“Labor’s already done a back-flip on the 30% Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment increase, upping the cost of prescriptions by $6.20 to $28.60, and they voted with the government to pass the Free Trade Agreement through the House of Representatives.”

“If Mark Latham thinks that’s working hard to regain the trust and confidence of the people of Cunningham then he’s got another think coming”, Mr. Organ said.

More from: Allen Clark (Media Adviser) 0439 464 439 www.michaelorgan.org.au - where you can subscribe to all the Greens media releases with Greens media